Sources:

• Swim suit: Banana Republic Outlet
• Sarong: NEPALI by TDM Design
• Sunglasses: Marc Jacobs

Endnotes:
NEPALI by TDM Design is a company with which we have had a long relationship and whose products we have always enjoyed, so when they asked to be a part of our Boutique Consortium we were happy to have them! NEPALI was launched in 2007 with the mission of supporting Nepalese women through providing them above market compensation, access to healthcare and education, and at the same time presenting a line of accessories made from natural materials such as silk, cashmere, bamboo, modal and wool and eco-friendly azo-free dyes. As they state on their website “NEPALI by TDM Design’s accessories are eco-conscious, socially responsible and stylish at the same time.” We totally agree!

I had seen on their website recently that they were marketing a bamboo scarf as a sarong, so I thought I’d give that a try with my oversized square scarf from this winter. I could have easily done what the model is doing if I’d folded it in half, but I wanted to keep the length, so I just rolled over the top to secure it. I also could have added a pin for a more certain hold. It worked well as a by-the-pool accessory, and when I started to get too much sun, I spread it over my shoulders and it was lightweight and breathable. I had no idea that it would be so great for all seasons. I’ll leave you with a few of NEPALI’s other scarves as worn by my fellow academichic ladies (click on images for same or similar scarves). What’s the most creative way you’ve worn or would wear one of these scarves?

and of course, if there is any NEPALI scarf I could have I’d want their cashmere fishnet in mead yellow. Delicious!

Sources:

• Long Sleeved T: Splendid via Nordstrom Rack
• Camisole: Banana Republic Outlet
• Sweater: BR
• Scarf: gift
• Pin: grandmother’s
• Corduroys: DKNY via Filene’s Basement
• Socks: gift
• Oxfords: Crown Vintage via DSW

Endnotes:
Robert Frost had it right when he said in the poem “Two Tramps in Mud Time”:

The sun was warm but the wind was chill.
You know how it is with an April day
When the sun is out and the wind is still,
You’re one month on in the middle of May.
But if you so much as dare to speak,
A cloud comes over the sunlit arch,
A wind comes off a frozen peak,
And you’re two months back in the middle of March.

Yesterday was chilly and rainy and grey. In the words of Tina Fey: blerg. I hope this is the last time I’ll be wearing cords this spring but you never know. I started this outfit with my socks. Yes, knee high, wool socks with sheep on them that my dad gave me many moons ago after he visited the Hebrides (which are islands off of the Scottish coast, in case you’re not up on your geography). Of course, since I started with the socks I decided that they needed to be displayed and so I cuffed my trousers.

This combination of sea green, grey, blue, and tan is one of my favorites and I’ve gotten a lot of wear out of this scarf (also from Scotland) over the winter. My chunky, cabled, cotton sweater was just warm enough, and this time I decided to tack the built in ties to the inside using safety pins and instead use a silver pin to hold the sweater together.

I’m pleased with the result and was cozy and warm for the whole dreary day. And best of all, I got to wear my Oxfords again! Yippy!

L.

Sources:

• Shirt – swapped
• Skirt – Banana Republic
• Scarf -Nordstroms
• Studded Flats – Banana Republic
• Aviators – Banana Republic
• Earrings – gift from S.

Endnotes:

This outfit is fairly similar to an outfit I wore last fall, but this is a different cap-sleeved striped button-down shirt.  This one I snagged at the last clothing swap E. and I organized at my house.  I loved the ruffly tuxedo-front and can never have enough stripped tops.  The woman I swapped it from (not sure what the correct verb construction is) warned me that the sleeves were pretty tight.  I solved this by undoing the buttons on the sleeves and turning the cuffs up – taking the puff down a bit and adding a wing tip.

Unfortunately, I think this shirt is a bit tight in other places on me.  I left the  top several buttons undone, but I think it still pulled a little too much.  This may end up in the next clothing swap.  That’s the great thing about clothing swaps – it’s a no risk way to try out new things – everything’s free!

Now the other items of this ensemble were not swapped and I have no intentions of adding them to the swap pile anytime soon! I of course have my workhorse pencil skirt and a scarf.  My new short hair has led me to rediscover my love of big earrings and I have been wearing this pair (a gift from S. on her wedding day) on a regular basis.  I have also been wearing these new sunglasses and flats from Banana Republic almost daily.

Yep, short hair and aviators!  March was a month of revelations for me.  I love aviators.  I’ve liked the way they look on certain people for a while now, but never imagined I could pull them off.  Then I finally tired a pair on and had to have them.  Now, these are by far the most expensive sunglasses I have ever owned (even though I purchased them with a discount, spending a total of $37) and I was very hesitant to purchase them.  I have a history of breaking or losing my sunglasses.  The last time I spend more that $12 on a pair, I left them in a bathroom stall at the baseball game two days later.  But, I’m a grown up now right?  I should be able to hold on to these for a least a season…we shall see.

How do you feel about the aviators?  And, how much are you willing to spend on sunglasses?

Sources:

• Shirt: Ninety via Filene’s Basement
• Camisole: Banana Republic Outlet
• Necklace: made by my aunt
• Belt: mom’s closet
• Skirt: Juillet via Neiman Marcus
• Shoes: Crown Vintage via DSW

Endnotes:
Dear DSW,

Thank you for my $10 birthday month gift certificate. I bought these shoes and I love them.

Sincerely,

L.

But seriously, if you’re a shoe junkie like me and live near a DSW outlet then it is definitely worth signing up with them (and no I’m not being paid to say that – but I would accept payment in shoes if anyone reading this is from DSW!). I know rewards programs are really ploys to make you spend more money, but I love that DSW sends me gift cards in the mail to spend on shoes. Only shoes.

I bought these at the end of March and was envisioning this exact outfit when I was debating the purchase. I know that I’m about two years late on the oxfords trend, but that’s what happens when you only shop sale and clearance (with very rare exceptions). I like the contrast of traditional men’s pieces (oxford shoes and button down shirt) with the ultra femme floral and eyelet lace skirt. I was inspired by other bloggers like the lovely Monkeyface, who wears her oxfords with jeans, with skirts, and even with red socks! You should also check her out because she’s a talented photographer AND a witty writer AND has amazingly perfect hair. I think I have a bit of a blog-crush :)

In other news, last Thursday night my mother and I went to the Boston Ballet’s opening performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and let me tell you, it was spectacular (look at the video on their website for a glimpse)! The costumes, made of diaphanous chiffon, were gorgeous and ethereal. The music was mellifluous. The glittering wings on fairies and donkey head for the character Bottom were fine and delicate and in contrast bumbling and hilarious. It’s the first time I’ve actually laughed at the ballet! Also the first time I was sipping on champagne while watching – who knew you could do that?!

Sources:

• Dress: Banana Republic
• Belt: J. Crew
• Scarf: vintage (from mom)
• Shoes: vintage Calvin Klein (from mom)
• Purse: Lauren Merkin via Neiman Marcus (gift from mom)
• Necklace: from mom
• Ring: gift from mom

As for my attire, I had been trying to think of a way to wear this purple scarf (which my mom had bought at street market in Paris a million years ago), but the deep fringe stymied me and it seemed like it was not for everyday wear. For this more formal event I wanted to wear it over my shoulders, but didn’t want it just hanging loose down my front. The trick was to belt it and put the belt backwards so just the pink patent leather showed and the buckle was hidden behind the back.

It was a wonderful evening with my mom, and as you can see, I take much of my style sense – and much of my clothing, jewelry, and looks, for that matter – from her! Thanks mom, I love you!

My sweet sister-in-law knew what she was doing when she got me this scarf as a Christmas present a few years ago. It’s a very substantial, warm pashmina, with greens, turquoise, and brown woven together into an elaborate but not distracting pattern. I’ve worn it time and time again, but certain rhythms of pairing emerge:

When wearing something as minimal as a mod black sweater dress, a patterned scarf takes center stage and adds a dose of interest while still performing other duties, like creating illusory vertical lines. I also love how changing the way in which I tie the scarf allows different aspects of the pattern to shine.

I wear this scarf a lot with yellow and mustard. It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of yellow + blue + green color combinations, so I naturally graviate towards my mustards and sunshine yellows given the peacock and yellow-green hues in the scarf. Together, I think they make for a rich palette that can brighten up even a dreary fall or winter day.

I’m also a big fan of variations of purple and green (but rarely true purple and true green) as a color combination. With the addition of turquoise in the scarf’s pattern, I can make lovely analogous color combinations using the cool half of the color wheel. There’s something very regal about this color palette. Perhaps because of the patterning of the scarf, such combinations make me think of Byzantine mosaics done in precious, royal hues. Not that there’s anything particularly regal about dark red tights, but you get what I’m saying, right?

Because of the pattern, this pashmina is also very substantial in thickness. That means that it’s a fantastic snuggly piece that also happens to be fairly attractive. I love wearing a comfortable outfit like jeans and a slouchy dolman cardigan…then throwing on this patterned scarf to make everything seem more purposeful and polished. Sometimes, I don’t even bother to tie it. I just “drape”…and then wrap it around myself like a blanket when the library gets too cold or life gets too demanding.

Do you have a patterned scarf that you wear the heck out of? What makes it so great? How do you wear it?

Sources:

• Shirt: Banana Republic
• Blazer: BR
• Scarf: secondhand from mom
• Belt: Anthropologie
• Trousers: BR
• Shoes: Cole Haan via Filene’s Basement

Endnotes:
I can’t stop pattern mixing! I’m totally addicted. I’m a little disappointed with myself for not wearing this adorable knit herringbone blazer more often this winter, but I’ve been given another chance since it’s in the 40s and going to snow tomorrow. Like my outfit on Monday, today I mixed patterns but stayed in the same color family – granted this one is not the most daring being a completely black, white, and grey palette, but stripes, herringbone and polka-dots are a big move for me.

Maybe I like this because they are all regular and geometric? But I loved the abstract floral and simple striped skirt on Monday. Hmmmm…

What’s been your most daring pattern mixing to date? What do you think is the most successful pairing?

L.

(Apparently for some reason today I was only able to look to my right while I was taking pictures. Weird.)

Sources:

Top – Liz Lange Maternity for Target, via consignment store
Jean skirt – Liz Lange Maternity for Target, via consignment store
Cardi – very old H&M
Brooch – vintage, via consignment store
Tights – TJMaxx
Yellow shoes – Gianni Bini
Scarf – Vintage Threadz on Etsy

Endnotes:

This skirt and top are two more finds from my maternity shopping spree with E. The best part of going maternity clothes shopping with E.? She has such a great eye for the potential in items. I found this teal top and instantly liked its color and drapeyness, but once on, the drapeyness was a little too much and it felt a little long and frumpy…

But E. suggested two ways in which this could be quickly and easily remedied. One way would be to add ruching to the sides of the fabric (see a simple tutorial here), gathering it with that puckered effect symptomatic of many a maternity shirt. I loved that solution for keeping the top structured while allowing for extra belly fabric, but didn’t think that my remedial sewing skills could produce it. So I went with the second – and easier option – which was to add an elastic band along the bottom seam bringing the fabric in that way.

This was a very quick and effortless project that only cost me a couple of dollars in elastic and a few minutes in DIY time. I used a seam ripper to cut an opening into that bottom seam and ran the elastic all the way through. Once I had the elastic in, I tried the top on to see how wide I needed my elastic to be to fit comfortably around my hips. I pinned the ends in place with a safety pin while I had the shirt still on, then sewed them together, cut the excess elastic off, and stitched the shirt seam back up. And voila! The new and improved version…

For comparison purposes, here is the top once more with the ‘Before’ and ‘After pictures…

I much prefer this more nipped in and tailored version, as it hugs the belly while still being loose and comfortable but without looking shapeless and frumpy. It’s such a minor change but still one that makes such a difference. Thanks, E., for a great idea! Being able to see the potential in items makes shopping for a maternity wardrobe (or any wardrobe) much easier, especially when scouring thrift stores and consignment shops. The selection may not always be as great as in a retail store but the pricer are much better and the possibilities after altering something to suit your shape and aesthetic make the find all the more rewarding, don’t you think?  S.

Sources:

• Shirt and Wrap Shirt: Banana Republic
• Belt: J. Crew
• Necklaces: South Moon Under (gold), Orno Jewelry ("Mirari" in silver), family heirloom (fish charm)
• Scarf: gift from Myanmar aka Burma (via sister and bro-in-law)
• Trousers: Ann Taylor
• Shoes and Socks: BR

Endnotes:
Just a quick note since I’ve just arrived in London to visit my sister and brother-in-law. I thought I’d share with you my keys for successful long distance travel – at least when it comes to clothes, accessories and avoiding jet lag!

1) Comfy clothes – I still like to dress up when I travel, but these stretchy Ann Taylor trousers are very forgiving and layers on top mean that I can adjust my temperature easily.

2) Flat shoes – I’m a huge fan of flats to begin with, but I always travel in them. I also wear socks or stockings with them since you have to take your shoes off to go through the metal detectors and I’m not wildly enthused about walking barefoot in the airport. I try to avoid wearing belts also so that I have less to take off and put on during metal detector time.

3) Wear your jewelry – I don’t typically travel with much jewelry, but when I do I always wear all of it. I know most people put it at least in their carry-on, but I feel better knowing that I have my favorites close to me!

4) Walk – When I arrive at my destination I always walk rather than taking the moving sidewalk or escalator. On this trip my brother-in-law picked me up from the airport and after a lovely lunch we went for a stroll in Hyde Park where we bumped into several Anish Kapoor installations including “Sky Mirror”. I swear the sunshine and fresh air flushed whatever germs I had encountered on my trip right out of me! Moreover, after a quick nap I was ready for dinner and bed and am already on London time.

What travel tips do you have?

L.

Sources:

• Sweater: Clements Ribeiro
• Trousers: Banana Republic Factory Outlet
• Belt: J. Crew
• Scarf: Filene’s Basement
• Shoes: Steve Madden via DSW

Endnotes:
Grey and yellow, aka “grellow”, is not a new pairing by any means, but it is a new combination for me. Inspired by Audi of Fashion for Nerds as well as my cobloggers, I thought I’d give it a shot, and thus far I’m very happy with it. For my third to last day of school before spring break I thought a bright shot of sunny yellow would be appropriate and pulled out one of my favorite light-weight sweaters. My mom and sister got this for me at London Fashion Weekend in 2003, and though yellow has not traditionally been a big player in my wardrobe, the silk applique of the redheads and the bright colors made this sweater perfect for me. I threw on a purple infinity scarf to complement the yellow as well as to cover more of my neck since it’s still chilly here!

I love it, but because it is so distinctive I only wear it for special occasions or when I need a real pick-me-up. Seeing as how I am thisclose to spring break, I knew the yellow could carry me through until the weekend. I like how the yellow and grey play off of on another, and I think a key to wearing this combo is make sure that the tint is the same (i.e. the same level of lightness or darkness despite the difference in color/hue). Audi’s lemon yellow pairs nicely with a light heathery grey and E.’s saffron/marigold colored sweater looks great with her darker grey skirt.

Since I enjoyed the tucked in cardigan look I tried last week, I thought I’d do it again and wear a bright belt. I like how this looked and the only thing that I didn’t like was that these trousers are a little big on me, so I looked pretty rumpled on my bottom half. I love these little flats and they looked surprisingly good with darker grey stockings. What fun outfits are keeping you going until spring comes?

~L.